On Friday, September 7, the Fire This Time Movement for Social Justice – Venezuela Solidarity Campaign took to the streets to defend Venezuela against unjust sanctions and to defend their right to sovereignty and self-determination. Supporters and organizers came together, first at the U.S. Consulate to demand “U.S./Canada Hands Off Venezuela!” in a monthly picket action. Then everyone joined again at the Vancouver Art Gallery for a petition drive and information display to bring these critical issues to the attention of passers-by.
Throughout September, Venezuelan dignity and self-determination were continuously under attack. On September 1, right-wing U.S. Senator Marco Rubio suggested that it is time for U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. In Canada, similar threats have been bounced around by the media, as well as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland (See article “Why CBC Lies about Venezuela” p.8). Of course, war-mongering rhetoric is not the only challenge facing Venezuela. This is a part of a right-wing campaign which is also escalating sanctions, violence, and meddling in the internal affairs of Venezuela by the governments of the U.S., Canada and the European Union.
In October 2018, two important speakers will be touring Canada offering a different perspective on the issues facing Venezuela today. Vice Minister of the Venezuelan Ministry of External Affairs for North America, the honourable Mr. Carlos Ron, along with Professor Steve Ellner, of the Universidad de Oriente in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela and author of numerous books including, "Latin America's Radical Left: Challenges and Complexities of Political Power in the Twenty-first Century" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2014) will be visiting cities across Canada. Fire This Time Movement for Social Justice – Venezuela Solidarity Campaign is excited to be welcoming these two important guests to Vancouver with an event on Sunday, October 21, 5-7pm titled, “What is really happening in Venezuela?” at the Vancouver Public Library (See the back of the newspaper for poster). To find out about these exciting speakers and the FTT Venezuela Solidarity Campaign’s ongoing actions, please visit www.firethistime.net or follow on Facebook and Twitter @FTT_np
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